Football Game Preview: Pioneer Panthers vs. Caston Comets

Pioneer is a perfect 10-0 against Caston since September of 2017 and they'll have a chance to extend that dominance on Friday. The Panthers will face off against the Comets at 7:00 p.m. One thing working in Pioneer's favor is that they have posted at least 31 points in their last seven contests.

Pioneer hadn't beaten North Judson-San Pierre on the road since October 16, 2020 but that history sure didn't bother them on Friday. The Panthers strolled past the Bluejays with points to spare, taking the game 36-18. Pioneer's victory was all the more impressive since the Bluejays were averaging only 14.56 points allowed on the season.

Noah Vanmeter

Rushing Yards

10/10/25 vs Triton	170
09/12/25 vs Caston	116
10/17/25 @ North Judson-San Pierre	114
09/19/25 @ North Miami	82
08/22/25 vs Lewis Cass	61

Pioneer's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Micah Rans, who rushed for 64 yards and three scores. Rans has been hot recently, having posted two or more rushing touchdowns the last three times he's played. Noah Vanmeter helped out on the ground, rushing for 114 yards.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Pioneer was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 279 rushing yards. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as North Judson-San Pierre only rushed for 118.

Caston never got on the board in their matchup last Friday, but that sure wasn't the case in their game against Winamac on Friday. They blew past the Warriors 35-13. The win was some much needed relief for the Comets as it spelled an end to their three-game losing streak.

Pioneer's record now sits at 8-1. As for Caston, their record is now 3-6.

Everything came up roses for Pioneer against Caston in their previous meeting back in September, as the squad secured a 45-13 victory. One of the biggest obstacles the team faced in that game was the Comets' Gavin Mollenkopf, who rushed for 119 yards and a pair of TDs. Now that he's got a second chance to win this matchup, will the Panthers still be able to contain Mollenkopf? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.